Bhabhori leopard-killer won't go unpunished: HP govt

Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri today assured the Assembly that those involved in the brutal killing of a leopard in Bhabhori forests area would not escape punishment.
Replying to calling attention motion of Gulab Singh (BJP) on killing of the leopard on March 22, he said the information in this regard was given by the up-pradhan of Khukar village, adjoining the forest area.
It appeared the leopard was trapped in wires and was killed. His head, legs, paws, tail were chopped off, he added.
Investigation is underway and over two dozen persons have been questioned but so far no credible information or clue had been received, he said.

The forest and the wildlife departments have been alerted and the villagers of Khajur village asked to immediately contact the forest department in case any information was received in this connection, he said.
Meanwhile, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said 3,89,168 people are covered under the social security pension scheme in the state.

When Suresh Bhardwaj (BJP) pointed out some pensioners have not got pension for the past six months, Shandil said pensions are disbursed quarterly in all areas except far-flung ones where it is done half-yearly.
Revenue Minister Kaul Sigh Thakur informed the House the state suffered losses to the tune of Rs 863.96 crore and Rs 121.50 crore respectively due to heavy rains during monsoon and winters this year but no Central funds have been received.

In reply to another question, the Forest Minister assured an inquiry will be conducted into dumping of silt from the mining site in Sapru river and forest land.